Complaint against Anderson a tactic: Cook

Alastair Cook, the England captain, sees the complaint lodged against James Anderson by India as a tactic to get him banned.

"Jimmy is an outstanding bowler with a fantastic record. It's probably a tactic by India, if we are being honest," Cook said ahead of the 2nd Test at Lord's.

Cook also agreed that India would like Anderson out of the side, "Yeah, I think so, I think that's pretty much where it's come from," he said before adding that he hadn't actually witnessed the incident, "I am going to sound like (Arsenal football manager) Arsene Wenger here and say I didn't see the incident," Cook said. "Unfortunately I am not allowed to talk about it.

Cook also admitted that the England team was taken by surprise at the seriousness of the allegation and felt that it was unwarranted.

"No one knew about it until after the game. It does seem a bit of a surprise that I got a text message and a phone call on Monday afternoon. I literally hadn't heard anything about it.

"We are a bit surprised it's a level three (offence), to be honest. It's a bit of a mountain out of a molehill," said the captain.

The controversy could bring the team a lot closer reckoned Cook and added that Anderson was receiving support from all members of the squad.

"For Jimmy, all the lads are rallying round him. He is a stalwart of our side. He is an outstanding bowler with a fantastic record.

"We can't let this be a distraction ... but at certain times in this test match Jimmy will let his bowling do the talking.

"He is a very competitive guy. Jimmy is up for the game and desperate to do well for England," he added.

After the criticism that the Trent Bridge pitch got, Cook was also apprehensive about the nature of the Lord's pitch which has a tinge of green on it.

"There is a covering of grass but Lord's wickets are noted as being good wickets," said Cook. "But because it is not an exact science we will not know until tomorrow. We shall have to wait and see."